Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has confirmed that Chelsea made an official bid for Kalidou Koulibaly.
Speaking to Radio Kiss Kiss (via Tutto Mercato Web), the club boss said: “We’ve signed Tonelli and Maksimovic, not because we don’t believe in ours, but because we’re looking forward to the African Cup. The first has been playing with Sarri and the second we’ve been following for years”.
“Our line is well formed, no wonder why Chelsea offered more than €50m for one of our defenders.”
Koulibaly has been linked to Chelsea for a few months and it was no secret that Antonio Conte’s side were in a hurry to sign a player for the position.
The Blues reportedly had an offer for Stefan de Vrij from Lazio turned down as well, but didn’t finish the window empty handed as they signed David Luiz from PSG.
Koulibaly had been keen on advancing his career, but his Chelsea chance may have now gone after the return of Luiz.
